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Police Officers: Love to Learn About Community Helpers

January 25, 2015 by Mama Carmody 5 Comments

Police Officers: Love to Learn About Community Helpers
with free printables

It’s time to have fun learning about police officers. Police officers are there to protect and take care of us. Children need to learn this early because you never know when they might need a police officer’s help.

I like to start learning activities with a book. You can find several books about police officers in the Story Time section, below. Pick a couple out and share them with your child.

Content:

Playtime
Fun Sheet
Craft
Story Time
Related Posts
Acknowledgements

Playtime

There are many wonderful toys out there that can encourage imaginative play, while learning about police officers. Lego and Playmobil both have police themed sets. Your child might have a simple police car that they like to play with. We used to have a community helper doll set that we used in our preschool classes. I plan to get some for my home so my grandson and great-nephew will have them to play with.

I love the use of dress-up clothes. When I was teaching preschool, the boys loved to dress-up as much as the girls did. I pick up inexpensive costumes once Halloween is over. I picked up a play set with handcuffs, a walkie talkie and a toy gun at the Dollar Tree. You can read my post, “Let’s Play with Toy Guns”, to see why I believe that was a good addition to our dress-up bin.

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Fun Sheet

I have created a fun sheet to do with your child. Have your child color the police officer and then color only the items that the police officer would use. Don’t color the items that the police officer would not use. Click on the picture to get the downloadable fun sheet.

The fun sheet is a great way for your child to develop their fine motor skills, as they color. They will learn to follow directions and will also reinforce what they have learned about police officers.

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Craft

Police Car Craft

Learn About Police Officers using this free printable.

Materials Needed

Police Car template
markers, crayons or paints

Instructions

Print the police car template.
Do a Google search for your local police cars. (We have several different styles here in Indianapolis)
Let your child color or paint the police car to match their favorite one. My favorite police cars are the black and white ones.

Police Car Craft – Do a Google search for your local police cars. Then let your child color or paint the police car to match their favorite one. There is a free printable included in this post.

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Story Time

A Day in the Life of a Police Officer (Kids’ Career Library) by Mary Bowman-Kruhm and Claudine G. Wirths

Reading Level: Ages 5 and up
If your child is looking for a little more information about police officers and not just a simple introduction, this would be the book to go to. This book explains the responsibilities of police officers and the equipment they need but with a little more detail than some of the other books. If you have an inquisitive child that loves to sit and listen, I would recommend this book.

A Day with Police Officers by Jan Kottke

Reading Level: Ages 2 – 6 yrs old
This is a great book to introduce your little one to the responsibilities of police officers. It has very simple text but covers the basic information your child will need. The illustrations are actual pictures of police officers on the job.

On another note, I was surprised when I picked up this book at the library. It came in a plastic bag with some paperwork and a DVD. I thought it was a movie of the book but that’s not what it was as all. It was actually a video of someone using American Sign Language to share the book with deaf children. It turns out there is an organization called The Shared Reading Project. The video is to help parents be able to effectively share books with their deaf child so they can become lifelong readers. You can search your library’s website for The Shared Reading Project and you will find several titles to choose from.

I’m Going to Be a Police Officer by Edith Kunhardt

Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
This story is about a little girl and boy whose daddy is a police officer. They get to go to work with him one day and they share all the things that their daddy does on the job. You will see some of the tools he uses and the many different aspects of his job. The illustrations are actual photographs of the police officer at work and with his family. This is a fun way to learn about police officers.

Police Officer (Benchmark Rebus: Jobs in Town) by Dana Meachen Rau

Reading Level: 3 – 6 yrs old
I love the books by Dana Meachen Rau that are put out by Benchmark Rebus. They are so simple and easy to understand. I like the fact that they use pictures instead of words as part of the text. It will make your little one proud that they are helping with the story. In this book we learn about the many things that police officers do and the equipment they use. This is a very cute book to introduce the job of police officers to your child.

Police Officers Help (Our Community Helpers) by Dee Ready

Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
This is a great book to introduce your child to the responsibilities of a police officer. The illustrations are actual pictures of police officers doing their many jobs. The text is simple; just a few clear sentences to each illustration. Once you share this book with your child, they will have a better understanding of what police officers do and the things they need to perform their jobs.

Police Officers, A to Z (Community Helpers (Walker) by Jean Johnson

Reading Level: Ages 5 to 8 yrs old
Every letter of the alphabet represents something a police officer uses or does. There are a lot of wonderful pictures of police officers at work. The illustrations are in black and white but they are still very interesting. There is quite a bit of information about police officers including an extra section in the back called “More About Police Officers”. I would recommend this book whether learning about police officers or just wanting to reinforce alphabet recognition.

We Need Police Officers (Helpers in Our Community) by Lola M. Schaefer

Reading Level: Ages 3 and up
This is a simple little book that makes a great introduction to police officers. There is just one sentence per page. Each page shows a picture and explains something about police officers. You get information about the jobs they do and the things they need to carry out their work.

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Community Helpers – Overview
Doctors: Love to Learn About Community Helpers
Dentists: Love to Learn About Community Helpers
Firefighters: Love to Learn About Community Helpers

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Acknowledgements

Some of the images for the Fun Sheet were created by Cara’s Clips
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cara-Taylor-8656

Some of the images for the Fun Sheet were created by Charlotte’s Clips
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Charlottes-Clips-4150

Images for Doctor’s Bag Craft and part of Fun Sheet created by Polliwog Place
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Polliwog-Place

Some of the images for the Fun Sheet were created by Whimsy Clips
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Whimsy-Clips
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Doctors: Love to Learn About Community Helpers

August 11, 2014 by Mama Carmody 8 Comments

Doctors: Love to Learn About Community Helpers
with free printables

I’m going to start my posts, on Community Helpers, with doctors. Children spend a lot of time with doctors, starting at birth. They need to realize that doctors are their friends and are just helping them to stay healthy. Don’t lie to your child about getting shots, then not only will they be afraid of the doctor but they won’t trust you either. Let them know it will hurt a little bit but the hurt doesn’t last long and shots are to keep them from getting sick.

I always like to start my learning activities with a book. I have listed a few, in the Story Time section, for you to choose from. If you have another book, that you really like, please share it with me.

Below you will also find a craft and some ideas for pretend play. Be sure to enjoy this time of exploration and learning with your child.

Content:

Playtime
Fun Sheet
Craft
Story Time
Related Posts
Acknowledgements

Playtime

Does your child have a toy doctor’s kit to play with? If not, purchase some band-aids, gauze, medical tape and some wipes at the Dollar Tree (or whatever inexpensive store you have). Even if your child does have a toy doctor’s kit it would be fun to occasionally give them some real supplies to play with. You might even be able to find an inexpensive thermometer (not the glass kind) that would be safe for them to play with. Bring out the dolls and have fun making them feel better. Your child may even want to fix an “ouchie” that you have.

Dress up is another fun way to explore the world of doctors. Dress up is fun for boys and girls alike. I like to look for costumes after Halloween. You can find them really cheap.

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Fun Sheet

I have created a fun sheet to do with your child. Have your child color the doctor and then color only the items that the doctor would use. Don’t color the items that the doctor would not use.
Click on the picture to get the downloadable fun sheet.

The fun sheet is a great way for your child to develop their fine motor skills, as they color. They will learn to follow directions and will also reinforce what they have learned about doctors.

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Craft

Doctor’s Bag

Materials Needed:

Template for Doctor’s Bag craft
Black or white construction paper
cotton swabs
band aid
cotton ball
gauze
glue
tape
crayons or markers
scissors

Instructions:

1. Print the template for the Doctor’s Bag craft
2. Cut out the pieces.
3. Choose whether you want to make a black doctor’s bag or a white one.
4. I like to use the extra large pieces of construction paper. If you do use that size, then fold the paper in half. Place the template of the doctor’s bag onto the construction paper, with the bottom of the bag on the fold. If you use regular size paper, then cut out 2 of the bags and then tape or staple them together at the bottom.
5. Trace and then cut out the bag.

Community Helpers: Doctors -Do ctor's Bag Craft — Community Helpers: Doctors -Doctor’s Bag Craft

6. Have your child color the stethoscope, thermometer and needle.
7. Now glue or tape your items inside the doctor’s bag. Don’t forget your cotton ball, cotton swabs, gauze and band aid.

I also cut out and glued the white cross from the template to the outside of my doctor’s bag.
8. Discuss with your child what other items a doctor might have in his bag.

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Story Time

A Day in a Life of a Doctor (DK Readers, Level 1) by Linda Hayward

Reading Level: Ages 4 – 7 yrs old
Follow Doctor Baker through her day. She has to go to work early because of a little girl that is very sick. You will get to see and hear about the different instruments the doctor uses. She not only has to take care of patients at her doctor’s office but she also has patients at the hospital that she has to check on. A doctor’s day can be very long and busy but they like being able to help people feel better.

Doctors (Community Helpers) by Dee Ready

Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
This is a great book to introduce your child to the responsibilities of a doctor. The illustrations are actual pictures of doctors doing their many jobs. The text is simple; just a few clear sentences to each illustration. Once you share this book with your child, they will have a better understanding of what doctors do and the things they need to perform their jobs.

Tools We Use: Doctors (BookWorms) by Dana Meachen Rau
Reading Level: Ages 4 – 7 yrs old
This is a wonderful little book to help your child be comfortable with going to the doctor. It describes and shows many of the things that might happen to them. Your child can see the instruments that a doctor uses to listen to your heart or to look into your ears and eyes. A lot of time your child is fearing the unknown. If you take time to talk and show them what could happen it can put your child at ease. The illustrations will help your child feel better since they can see several smiling children visiting the doctor.

We Need Doctors (Helpers in Our Community) by Lola M. Schaefer

Reading Level: Ages 3 and up
This is a simple little book that makes a great introduction to doctors. There is just one sentence per page. Each page shows a picture and explains something about doctors. You get information about the jobs they do and the things they need to carry out their work.

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Community Helpers – Overview
Dentists: Love to Learn about Community Helpers
Firefighters: Love to Learn About Community Helpers
Police Officers: Love to Learn About Community Helpers

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Acknowledgements:

Images for Doctor’s Bag Craft and part of Fun Sheet created by Polliwog Place
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Polliwog-Place

Some of the images for the Fun Sheet were created by Charlotte’s Clips
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Charlottes-Clips-4150

Some of the images for the Fun Sheet were created by Whimsy Clips
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Whimsy-Clips

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📸 Capture the Moment: First and Last Day of School Signs for Every Grade

July 11, 2025 by Mama Carmody Leave a Comment

Can you believe it? In some places, school is already starting this month. One of my daughter’s favorite back-to-school traditions is taking a First Day of School photo of my grandkids — it’s a simple moment that turns into a sweet keepsake. That’s why I created a fun, colorful set of First Day of School signs and Last Day of School signs for kids from Preschool through 12th Grade — and I’m giving away a free version to help you capture those memories. Whether you homeschool, teach, or are simply trying to remember what day it is, the new school year always seems to sneak up on us.

First Day of School signs & Last Day of School signs – What’s Included?

I designed three different styles of the first day of school signs to match different age groups:

Preschool – 4th Grade

Bright and playful — with crayons, scissors, and paint trays.

5th – 8th Grade

Still fun, but a little more grown-up — featuring globes, books, and backpacks.

High School (Freshman–Senior Year)

Clean, classic, and stylish enough for teens who “don’t do cute.”

Each design includes:

A First Day of School sign
A Last Day of School sign
(Perfect for comparing just how much they’ve grown!)

Want the Free Printable Version?

You can download the non-editable version of the signs for FREE when you sign up to receive updates from Love to Laugh and Learn.

These free signs show the grade level only (no name or date fields), and they are ready to print and use instantly.

And yes — the watermarks will be removed when the signs are delivered to your inbox!

Click here: 👉 Free First and Last Day of School Signs

Want to Personalize Them with Your Child’s Name and Date?

If you’d like to customize the signs digitally, I also offer a fully editable version in my Teachers Pay Teachers store for just $5.

The editable set includes:

Canva links for all 3 styles
The ability to type in your child’s name and date before printing
Matching first and last day signs for every grade from preschool through 12th
Free graphics (no Canva Pro needed!)

Start the School Year with a Smile

These signs are an easy way to start a new tradition or continue an old one. Whether you use the free version or grab the editable one, I hope they help make your child’s school year just a little more special — and a lot more memorable.

With love,
Mama Carmody

📍 P.S. I’d love to see your First Day photos! Tag @LoveToLaughandLearn or send me a message — it truly makes my day!

Teaching Shapes to Preschoolers: An Overview of Fun Learning Activities

Teaching Your Child Colors – Overview

Learning Fun at Disney: Manners

May 23, 2023 by Mama Carmody Leave a Comment

I think learning should be fun. I can’t think of a more delightful place to learn than Disney!

Manners

Today, we are going to tackle manners. Using good manners is such an important attribute. Your child will have many opportunities to use their manners and to see manners exhibited while at Disney.

Please and Thank You

The first, in my book, is the simple, “please” and “thank you”. The cast members work hard and sometimes in less-than-ideal situations. It can be really hot or stormy and the cast members still have to be there to care for you. A simple thank you can add some joy to their day.

There will be many opportunities, during the day, to use your manners. One of my favorite times is mealtime.

“Will you please pass the salt?”

“Thank you for letting me get dessert.”

My family came from the south. We were taught to throw in a “please” or “thank you” when answering a question.

“Would you like tomatoes on your salad?”

“No, thank you.”

“Would you like ice cream for dessert?”

“Yes, please.”

The Napkin

Another manner, that is not so widely practiced, is the placing of your napkin. If it’s a restaurant with cloth napkins, we place them in our laps.

Did you know you can send a secret message to your server by where you place your napkin? (Of course, that is, if your server knows the code.) If you leave the table, but will be returning, place your napkin on your chair.

When you are totally finished with your meal, place your napkin on the table next to your plate. This lets the server know they can start taking away your dirty dishes and bring you the bill.

I hope this post on manners has been fun and has given you some ideas of how to use them. What other manners might you use, while on your trip? Don’t forget to continue using them when you get home.

Learning Fun at Disney: The Importance of Imagination

Ready to Plan Your Disney Trip?

We always have great family time and make special memories when we travel to Disney. Click here to purchase tickets and start making your special trip plans.

Teaching Shapes to Preschoolers: An Overview of Fun Learning Activities

April 28, 2013 by Mama Carmody 15 Comments

When I taught preschool, I always introduced colors before shapes. I did the same thing at home with my own children. Looking back, it makes sense. Children seem to notice colors first. So, I followed their natural curiosity and used it as a guide.

Just like with colors, our first lessons on shapes weren’t formal. My kids learned about them during everyday routines—like getting dressed or playing with toys. I made a habit of talking to them throughout the day. Throughout our routine, I would point out circles, hearts, or stars and describe what we saw together. Sometimes I’d say, “Look at those colorful stars on your socks,” or “This strawberry looks like a heart!”

Whether your child is just a few days old or a curious three-year-old, talking to them consistently helps. It builds vocabulary, observation skills, and a strong foundation for future learning. Their understanding of the world will grow faster than you expect—especially when it’s grounded in love, play, and shared discovery.

Learning Through Play

Most early learning should come through play and conversation. Read books together, do simple crafts, play on the floor, and talk about what you’re doing. These small moments are powerful teaching tools.

In the posts below, you’ll find shape-themed book recommendations, craft ideas, fun snacks, and hands-on activities that introduce common forms in playful ways. You can explore one shape a day, mix and match, or follow the full series—it’s completely up to you. Just remember: the most important thing is to have fun. When children are having fun, they’re learning!

Police Officers: Love to Learn About Community Helpers with free printables

Content:

Playtime

Fun Sheet

Craft

Materials Needed

Instructions

Story Time

A Day in the Life of a Police Officer (Kids’ Career Library) by Mary Bowman-Kruhm and Claudine G. Wirths

A Day with Police Officers by Jan Kottke

I’m Going to Be a Police Officer by Edith Kunhardt

Police Officer (Benchmark Rebus: Jobs in Town) by Dana Meachen Rau

Police Officers Help (Our Community Helpers) by Dee Ready

Police Officers, A to Z (Community Helpers (Walker) by Jean Johnson

We Need Police Officers (Helpers in Our Community) by Lola M. Schaefer

Related Posts

Acknowledgements

Doctors: Love to Learn About Community Helpers with free printables

Content:

Playtime

Fun Sheet

Craft

6. Have your child color the stethoscope, thermometer and needle. 7. Now glue or tape your items inside the doctor’s bag. Don’t forget your cotton ball, cotton swabs, gauze and band aid.

I also cut out and glued the white cross from the template to the outside of my doctor’s bag. 8. Discuss with your child what other items a doctor might have in his bag.

Story Time

A Day in a Life of a Doctor (DK Readers, Level 1) by Linda Hayward

Doctors (Community Helpers) by Dee Ready

We Need Doctors (Helpers in Our Community) by Lola M. Schaefer

Related Posts

Acknowledgements:

First Day of School signs & Last Day of School signs – What’s Included?

Preschool – 4th Grade

5th – 8th Grade

High School (Freshman–Senior Year)

Want the Free Printable Version?

Want to Personalize Them with Your Child’s Name and Date?

Start the School Year with a Smile

Related Posts

Manners

Please and Thank You

The Napkin

Related Posts

Ready to Plan Your Disney Trip?

Learning Through Play

Police Officers: Love to Learn About Community Helpers
with free printables

Doctors: Love to Learn About Community Helpers
with free printables

6. Have your child color the stethoscope, thermometer and needle.
7. Now glue or tape your items inside the doctor’s bag. Don’t forget your cotton ball, cotton swabs, gauze and band aid.

I also cut out and glued the white cross from the template to the outside of my doctor’s bag.
8. Discuss with your child what other items a doctor might have in his bag.